The Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) purchases health care for Medicaid eligible Washington residents and public employees. The agency also procures funding for the development and implementation of substance use treatment and prevention programs with the intention of "integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents."
Washington State Health Care Authority
(WA HCA)
Public
Observations
WA HCA - Webinar - Impacts of Marijuana Legalization in Washington
(September 29, 2020) - Initial Update
Substance abuse prevention staff at the Washington State Health Care Authority (WA HCA) presented selected research on perceived trends in marijuana use, access, and normalization revealing a narrow focus on anticipated harms.
The Week Ahead
(September 28, 2020)
Amidst ten meetings of potential interest, the week ahead would reveal cannabis policymaking intentions at the legislature, the WSLCB, and substance use prevention organizations.
WA House COG - Work Session
(September 15, 2020) - UW ADAI
Committee members learned about cannabis-related research from academics affiliated with the University of Washington Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute (UW ADAI) and heard their concerns about concentrated cannabinoid products.
WA House COG - Work Session
(September 15, 2020) - CCPRO
Lawmakers learned about the cannabis-related work of academics affiliated with the Collaboration on Cannabis Policy, Research, and Outreach (CCPRO) at Washington State University (WSU) including studies on rodent brain development and human cannabis use during and after pregnancy.
WSLCB - Listen and Learn Forum - HB 2826 Implementation
(September 1, 2020) - Summary
Drawing over 100 attendees, nine participants commented on new definitions for ‘characterizing flavor’ and ‘terpenes’ instrumental to new WSLCB public safety and prevention authorities.
WSLCB - Board Meeting
(September 2, 2020) - Summary
The WSLCB Board adopted substantially revised True Party of Interest (TPI) rules and heard public comment from an advocate of increasingly influential prevention perspectives.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(May 26, 2020) - Summary
Members prepared to undertake formal rulemaking at the WSLCB’s first remote board meeting on Wednesday morning and met the agency’s new Policy and Rules Coordinators.
WSLCB - Board Caucus
(May 12, 2020) - Summary
The agency prepared to welcome two new Policy and Rule Coordinators and restart public engagement in rulemaking processes during the following week.
WA Legislature - Conference Committee Meeting - SB 6168
(March 11, 2020) - Summary
Where does all the cannabis money go? Taxes from cannabis sales were utilized for a multitude of purposes and cannabis-related policymaking was funded by the Legislature.
WSLCB - Listen and Learn Forum
(October 11, 2019) - Introductions
Attendees introduced themselves, indicating a mix of prevention, public health, and industry perspectives would be shared on the topic of packaging and labeling (PAL).